New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-02
A BAD DAY FOR THE THIRSTY.
HARD WORK go GET A DRINK YESTERDAY.
NO LIQUOR OR WINE AT DELMoMco's on THE
HoFFMAN-THE LAW RrGrDLY KNyoRcyn

oemp1 OF the police to close the liquor stores on
sunday was farcical, would have had this opinion
knocked into atoms yesterday, IL the trouble was
taKen 70 make tour of this city. People have
oo accustomed to the little sports which the police
nave made from tme to time to enforce the law
ana nave Justice done when the law was violated
Ihe motive power to sustain these sudden mani.
iestations of activity has been so weak that the
ponce soon tired, and things have gone on ~
usual after the fist brilliant burst of speed had
used up all the energy The remark has been
made frequently since the present reform move.
ment began, that the end would be the same as
IL hns always BEEN and that 10 would come soon
and that the side doors of all and the front doors
OF many OF the bar-rooms would be open 10 the
| public.
This opinion has been held by nearly all the
| liquor dealers. They laughed heartily when the
order was PASSED around that the law must be
obeyed strictly. On the fist Sunday after the
proclamation went out but few liquor dealers
PAID any attention TO it. They felt secure The
law was not strictly enforced the first Sunday but
ever since then the reins have been drawn tighter
every week, and the saloon keeper 10 now alive to
the fact that the farce is ended; that political
backing is of no value, and that the police arc
serious, energetic and vigilant in the pursuit of
offenders.
The idea that Sunday is day Of rest when all
business must cease, was never so well shown in
this city as yesterday. There were quietness, a
peacefulness and an absence of drunkenness and
It's attendant crime that were exceedingly re-
freshing to the orderlovng citizen and gratifying
to the police authorities. Gin mills were closed
which had never been closed before and proprie-
tors and bartenders took a day off. particular
feature of the closing was that special pains
seemed to be taken to show the public that the
saloons were really closed by pulling up the cur
tans and showing the deserted bars. Side doors
were locked tempting signs DO the thirsty were
put out of sight, and there was a general air Of
mot al bome.' -
OF course, all rhe places were not closed. but
those that were open were guarded every
hand by scouts and spies and man had
to be more than a casual acquaintance to get a
drink or even TO get into some of the places Who
ever did sell liquor took great chances. al the
police were busy bees, and men who
the street 10 seek violations of the law. On tho
East Side the absence of little children going
through the street with "growlers" was pleas
ant innovation.
In the big hotels there was sort of tomb-like
resignation on many faces that showed that tho
iron hand Of the law had reached the high placesas
were the tables, walters, works of art, and bar
tender or two. but there was nothing intoxicating
jovial manner. sat down at one Of the tables yes
terday afternoon. and after wiping his face and
thinking for moments as to what would be the
best thing TO fOItlfy himself with, called tho
waiter aud said:
All, Harry. let ME have gin fizz'
- No fizz, Colonel" replied the waiter sadly.
"No fizz! What the deuce is the matter with
hently.
what! Ordered not to sell me drink Who
gave the orderY Where's Stokes I'll see if I'm
ts be made fool Off and the little man jumped
up aud went out of the bar-room excltedly When
it was explained that the police would
not permit tho sale of anything stimulating
on Sunday he made remark similar to that at
tributed to Mr. Vanderbilt in reference to the pub
lie. Ginger ale aud a long list of waters were oil
that the Hoffman House gave to its transient visi-
The law was strictly complied with at the Grand
Hotel, Hotel Royal Demonlco's, Fifth Avenue,
Victoria Continental aud Barrett House.. An in
quiry for drink at these places was answered by
the statement that the bar was closed. Only tenn
II was SAID though it could not be confirmed, that
IN some of the hotels liquor was sold in private
rooms: but if il was done il was under the of
great and only the privileged few could get
beyond the outer wall.
AT all the hotels there was no hesitation about
serving wine other intoxicating beverages to
diners. If dinner ordered, whatever a thirsty
man wanted he could have. There was an effort
made in of the smaller hotels TO eyade the
law by giving few crackers and an oyster or two
at atabe with drink, but this not extensively
carried ont and only snch were known could
rants which are not attached to hotels WINE and
liquors were refused with meals even TO old pa
ne W his % dnnsr cot aG m 9ren e te sed fa
without the good nature that comes with good
meal. The general impression everywhere was
against the ugId enforcement of the law, and many
were heard to express the wish that it should
be repealed.
messenger boy with flushed face ran into Police
last evening with a letter for Super
intendent Murray. The Superintendent was not
in and Captain Cortrisht, who was on duty, opened
III DE elmonlcJs, who was angry be-
cause he could not get anything to
drink. The letter was short one.
and requested the Superin sendent TO inform tho
writer If Nr. Delmonco had the right to refuse to
deliver special bottle OF wine to him. 1t was
signed Baron Seilliere, Brunswick Hotel" Cap
tam Cortright wrote the back of the letter that
Mr. Delmonlco had no right to sell or give away
bottle of WINE on Sunday. The messenger boy had
IN idea that he would be killed for taking back
such an answer.
The rigid enforcement of the law here drove
thousands of people out Of the city and the boats
unning to Hoboken and Jersey City were crowded
vi day. 1t brought good cheer to the Jerseymen's
learts. and there was music, beer and drunkenness
everywhere.
superintendent Murray and Inspector Steers
pent the day in going through the city and visiting
The various police stations. Superintendent Murray
,dectually closed This effort Of the police Is not
he Sunday law ison the hooks it will be rigidly
nforced without favor. Every Que must submit.
4 there are any people who think IL a. hardship,
nd that is to have the law changed.
rne Legislature is IN session. and relief can DO
ought there. If the law is bad one, let II be rc-
eaied. 1t is on the statute-book, and must be
beyed. haye no choice in the matter. Hotels
lave little more liberty than other places in re-
pect to the sale of lIuuor on Sunday. The Corpor-
tlon Counsel has been asked to de6ne
vhat q guest Is, and whether vino
an be furnished with meals. III the opinion
adverse, then some will have TO be excluded from
he dining room Sunday. A hotel may remsin
pen for the accommodation of guests, but IL is
ather strained construction that gives II the prv-
ege of serving wine to guests for surely 1t seems
o be a violation of the Excise law 1 expect the
piniOn of the Corporation Counsel this week"
There was one bar II the neighb0rho0d
( Broadway and Houston-st. that was closed yes
erday for the first time in twerty-three years Tho
PROPRIETOR of this place is a Democratic politician.
he leader of the Hid Assembly District has place
q the Bowery. and this also closed.
About $3.50 p m. yesterday Captain Williams
While passing the corner of EIghteenth-st and
eventh-ave., heard boisterous laughter and tho
mixing of glasses in the saloon that place and
ttempted :t0 enter. The guard" at the door